This year, partnering up with the girls clothing sponsor, Fox Fashion, we are donating 30 newborn onesies to Tubs of Love Programme. It is an initiative by Ronald MacDonald House Charities Singapore (RMHC) and NUH Medical Social Work team, to help new mothers who need some initial aid and support by providing them with some newborn items.
 
This holiday and gifting season got me thinking about teaching the girls the meaning of giving and receiving. I’d like them to know there are people who are less fortunate than us. This is the time to be appreciative of what we have instead of focusing only on what we want for Christmas. Baby Georgia is perhaps too young to understand, but Lauren can definitely get in on the act of giving. She copies everything I do, so modeling behavior is the best way to go.
 

Donate books, toys and clothes

We do our spring cleaning twice a year. I get Lauren involved by asking her if she wants to ‘keep’ or ‘give’ a toy or book. I put all the ‘give’s in a bag and drop them off at Salvation Army. One tip though, make sure you explain to your child well that the ‘give’ bag is not coming back anymore, or you might find yourself buying a same toy when she changes her mind.

 

Mini volunteering

Giving doesn’t always have to involve money. Simple acts of kindness like helping out a neighbour or a friend in need counts as volunteering too. You could bring your child when you visit a friend or relative recovering from an injury. They may need help with domestic chores, or even meal preparation. Explain to your child why you are helping.

If you have older kids and would like to get them into the act of volunteering, here are some of non-profit organizations in Singapore to volunteer your time:  Hearts, Dignity Kitchen (they are looking for carolers this season!), and SWAMI Home.
 

Practice everyday

Besides the one time big act of volunteering or giving, I think it is important to be kind and generous on a daily basis. Let the girls drop change into collection boxes at McDonald’s counter, buying a drink for the homeless man, or simply be kind to their own siblings are some of the examples that comes to mind.

What else do you do to foster the act of giving in your kids? I’d like to hear!

 

Now I can’t just preach but no action, right? Giveaway time!

 

 
While we are in the spirit of giving, I have 2 vouchers (worth S$50 each) be given away to you and your friend. Let’s just keep on giving, shall we?

Follow these 3 steps to win:

1. Like Fox Fashion Facebook page.
2. Share this post on your profile (set it to public view!), and tag the friend who you’d like to share the vouchers with. Remember to tag @thechillmom so I can see your entry.
3. Leave a comment here with your Facebook profile name and email address.
4. Like my page too if you like (totally optional but it would make me really happy if you do! )

Or you can join via my Instagram page or find hashtag #thechillmomgiveway to find out more.

Contest ends on 31 Dec 2014, 2359 hours. Winners will be announced here on this post and on my Facebook page. Good luck!

Update: The winner for this giveaway is June Lee / @juneleety. Fox will be in touch soon regarding collection of voucher. Congrats and happy new year!